Local television, internet and phone service Viya will add some content and increase rates effective May 1, the company announced in a news release issued Monday, calling the changes necessary.
“The acquisition of programming is a complex business, which often leaves small providers like Viya in an unfavorable position as it seeks to bring relevant content to our viewers,” Viya spokesperson Jennifer Matarangas-King said. “Notwithstanding these challenges, Viya continues to source new programming as evident by the addition of several popular channels including the NFL Network, NFL RedZone, Hallmark Drama, and REVOLT TV and increased the local content programming on TV2, which is now featured on Channel 4 and 504HD.”
In April Viya Cable TV will launch six additional channels that have been requested by subscribers, she said. The new offerings are:
– beIN SPORTS (Expanded Tier).
– beIN en Español (Expanded & Spanish Tiers).
– Bloomberg TV (Expanded Tier).
– CLEO TV (Expanded Tier)
– LAW & CRIME (HD Flex Tier).
– FIDO TV (Basic Tier).
Viya said it is also continuing to invest in its cable TV plant, and officials say later this year it will launch a new feature-rich interactive guide which it says will elevate the user experience.
Officials say the cost of programming has increased exponentially, forcing the company to implement its first rate increases since 2016.
Effective May 1, the new pricing for Cable TV will be:
Basic – $19.99
HD Flex – $69.99
Expanded – $87.99
Variety – $10
Spanish – $9
SportsMax – $10 (a lower rate)
HD Plus – $3
HBO – $18.50
Cinemax –$14
SHOWTIME – $16
STARZENCORE – $14
Bronze no HBO – $98.50
Bronze with HBO – $103.50
Silver no HBO – $111.50
Silver with HBO – $116.50
Gold no HBO – $122.50
Gold with HBO– $128.50
Platinum – $138.50
Additional information on the impact of programming on cable operators is online here.
